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The letter was signed by Peter Lewis, the trusts’ chief executive and Isobel Clements, director of people.

It said: “Many of you will be concerned about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME colleagues in the UK.

“We understand that this is worrying and we want to do all we can to ensure you feel safe and supported during this difficult time.

“At a national level an inquiry has been launched to understand why people from BAME backgrounds appear to be disproportionately affected by coronavirus.”

It continued: “We have taken the decision to include BAME colleagues into the vulnerable and at risk group and are asking managers to have conversations with all BAME colleagues as they would for all within the vulnerable group. […]

“We will include BAME colleagues in the priority list for testing during the first five days of symptoms.

“We encourage all BAME colleagues or their family members with symptoms to get tested as soon as possible.”